'I truly feel prepared for any challenge coming my way'

Michael Wu: Psychology

5/15/2025

Michael Wu

Psychology
Taipei, Taiwan

What was your favorite class and why?

My favorite class at Cornell was GOVT 3547: WIM: America, Business, and International Political Economy, taught by professor and political scientist Peter Katzenstein. This course stood out to me not only for its academic rigor, but also for its distinctive discussion-based case method, which is modeled exactly after the Harvard Business School approach. Cold calls, dynamic debates and active participation were all central to the classroom experience, which pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow tremendously as a student and thinker.

The course tackled complex questions about global power shifts, the relationship between governments and markets, and the multifaceted forces shaping the international political economy. We examined macroeconomic fundamentals, with a case study every class from countries like China, India, Saudi Arabia and Brazil. Through these cases, we identified and explored persistent global issues such as financial globalization, trade, foreign investment and oil politics.

Beyond the classroom discussions, the course required a 35-page research paper, which was the most demanding, and ultimately the most rewarding, academic project I completed during my time at Cornell. Taken together, the challenge, the teaching style, and the depth of the subject matter made this class a formative part of my academic journey. From this course, I truly feel prepared for any challenge coming my way, whether it is academic, professional, or personal.

What is your main extracurricular activity and why is it important to you?

Fencing would be my main extracurricular activity, and is one of the most important things I hold dear in my life. I've fenced for half of my life (11 years total), competing internationally for Taiwan and now fencing for Cornell's Men's Fencing Team. Fencing, the perfect combination of physicality and intellectual strategy, is like physical chess — it demands not only speed and endurance but also the ability to think several moves ahead under pressure. I find it incredibly challenging, and that challenge constantly motivates me to improve and push my limits.

Being part of the fencing team has also helped me find a tight-knit community of close friends here at Cornell. It’s a space where I feel supported, understood, and driven by shared goals. In the midst of Cornell’s rigorous academic environment, fencing gives me something to work toward outside the classroom. I'm incredibly grateful that I am able to continue pursuing my childhood passion, and it's been one of the most fulfilling parts of my college experience, being able to continue competing at fencing tournaments and training with other high level fencers.

What are the most valuable skills you gained from your Arts & Sciences education?

I've truly learned and became capable of conducting and carrying out research, understanding and being able to complete every aspect of a research project from start to finish. Additionally, the rigorous yet rewarding psychology courses have significantly improved my skills in composition, reading and analysis. Through research papers, academic journal readings and assignments, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how to critically engage with complex material and communicate my ideas effectively.

If you were to offer advice to an incoming first year student, what would you say?

From trying new classes to joining unfamiliar clubs to stepping into activities you’ve never done before, don’t be afraid to explore and truly figure out for yourself what you like and who you are as a person. When it comes to your social life and extracurriculars, try to say yes to as many opportunities as you can. Go to that event, join that club, grab dinner with someone new. College is only four years, and it goes by faster than you think. The memories you’ll cherish most often come from the spontaneous decisions and the moments you didn’t plan for. Whether it’s a late-night conversation with a new friend, a club that unexpectedly becomes your second home, or an activity that reconnects you with a forgotten passion, these experiences shape your time here just as much as the classes do. As a pre-law student, I came into college aspiring to be a pre-med student. It was only stumbling upon a pre-law organization during club fest that I discovered my true passion for pursuing the law. Some of the most meaningful experiences and relationships I've had came from moments when I stepped outside of my comfort zone. Be bold, be curious, and make the most of every moment; because there’s truly no time like college to discover who you are and what excites you.

Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series.Read more about the Class of 2025.